FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – CentraState Medical Center is working to ensure its most vulnerable COVID-19 patients have access to food upon their discharge from the hospital, through a new food relief program.
The goal of the initiative is to provide several days of meals to recovering patients as they regain their health and strength, according to a press release.
Social workers and patient representatives identify patients in need, such as the elderly, people with low income or individuals who live alone and have no way of grocery shopping while completing their quarantine and recovery, according to the press release.
CentraState’s Food and Nutrition Services Department assembles packages containing breakfast, lunch and dinner for two to three days, as well as a box of nonperishable food items and gift cards from local restaurants to use for take-out meals. The gift cards come from the CentraState Healthcare Foundation, which is receiving donations from the community, according to the press release.
“Our team got creative and developed a plan to meet the needs of vulnerable patients when they need it most,” said Linda McDonald, supervisor, patient experience. “In addition, the purchase of the gift cards is helping to support local restaurants which are struggling during this time.”
Since the inception of the food relief program, which is part of CentraState’s COVID-19 response, nearly 30 individuals have received assistance as of May 5, according to the press release.
To support the food relief initiative, CentraState Healthcare Foundation is accepting nonperishable food, gift cards and monetary donations.
Items may be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays at Building D at CentraState Medical Center, 901 W. Main St. (Route 537), Freehold Township. Monetary donations may be made online. For more information, visit www.centrastatefoundation.org or call 732-294-7030.
